Nancy Werlin Quotes

Powerful Nancy Werlin for Daily Growth

About Nancy Werlin

Nancy Werlin (born August 26, 1954) is an acclaimed American author of young adult fiction, renowned for her compelling narratives that seamlessly blend elements of fantasy, mystery, and realistic drama. Born in Massachusetts, Werlin developed a love for storytelling at an early age, fueled by the rich oral tradition of her family's Irish heritage. After graduating from Barnard College with a degree in English literature, Werlin worked as a librarian, honing her skills in research and narrative craftsmanship. This experience proved invaluable when she began writing full-time in 1986, initially focusing on nonfiction before turning to the world of young adult fiction in the late 1990s. Werlin's breakthrough novel was "Impossible" (2000), a poignant tale of loss and self-discovery that earned her the prestigious Michael L. Printz Award. This was followed by "The Rules of Survival" (2004), a gripping narrative about a girl navigating a dangerous family dynamic, which won the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Young Adult Mystery. In 2010, Werlin published "The Giver of Stars," a novel set in Depression-era Kentucky, revolving around a traveling library and the women who manage it. The book received critical acclaim and was adapted into an original series for Netflix, further cementing Werlin's reputation as a master storyteller. Throughout her career, Nancy Werlin has consistently explored complex themes of identity, relationships, and personal growth within her narratives, earning the admiration and respect of readers and critics alike. Her stories continue to inspire young minds and remind us all of the transformative power of books.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Courage is not the absence of fear; it's acting despite of it."

This quote by Nancy Werlin emphasizes that courage is not the lack of fear, but rather the ability to act in spite of it. It suggests that fear and apprehension are natural feelings, and one doesn't necessarily need to be fearless to be considered courageous. Instead, courage comes from facing challenges and moving forward, even when confronted with fear or uncertainty. This perspective encourages individuals to take bold steps, make difficult decisions, and pursue their goals, despite any fears they may have.


"Sometimes you have to let go of what you planned so as to have a chance at what's waiting for you."

This quote suggests that sometimes, adhering to our initial plans or expectations can limit us from experiencing something unexpected and potentially more rewarding. It encourages flexibility and openness to change, implying that letting go of preconceived notions might lead us towards unforeseen opportunities or paths worth pursuing. In essence, it's a call for embracing the unknown and being open to the possibilities life presents along our journey.


"Being brave doesn't mean you're not afraid. It means you face your fears anyway."

This quote by Nancy Werlin highlights that courage does not necessarily signify the absence of fear, but rather it is the ability to confront one's fears despite their presence. In other words, being brave is about pushing past apprehensions and taking action in the face of uncertainty or potential danger. It is a testament to human resilience and our capacity to persevere even when faced with challenging situations.


"You can change the world, but it will cost you something."

This quote suggests that making a significant impact on the world, bringing about meaningful change, is not without personal cost or sacrifice. It encourages individuals to strive for positive change, recognizing that their efforts may require time, resources, or personal comfort. The "something" referred to could be various aspects such as energy, commitment, courage, or even personal beliefs and values. But the potential rewards of such changes can be immense, making it a worthwhile endeavor.


"Even the darkest night will pass and the dawn will break."

This quote is a reminder that no matter how difficult or challenging a situation may seem, it will eventually pass and better times are sure to follow. It offers comfort and hope during trying times, emphasizing that resilience and patience can lead to brighter days ahead.


I used to want covers that represented the book's contents very closely and were also pretty. Many folks automatically believe that this is what makes a good cover. But I've changed my mind about this. While the cover should not lie (by implication or outright), its job is simply to say: 'Pick me up!' to someone who might like the book.

- Nancy Werlin

Book, Very, About, Automatically

You start thinking about a character in a new book, of course you're going to think pretty soon, 'Well, what's their secret? What is their problem?' Maybe, 'What is their secret?' is another way of saying, 'What is their problem?' There's got to be some issue, or you've got a totally boring book!

- Nancy Werlin

Book, Some, Maybe, Another Way

I actually hope people don't react to 'Impossible' in a way where they think it's terribly retro. The plot needed to do what it needed to do. But I'm a little surprised to find myself looking a little bit like an advocate of teen marriage. It takes some exceptional circumstances for that to be a reasonable idea.

- Nancy Werlin

Some, Needed, Reasonable, Surprised

Going back to my own past as a reader, I was a big, big reader of romances, particularly as a teenager, the age that my books are aimed at.

- Nancy Werlin

Big, Going, Particularly, Romances

There was a mission: To match the cover of 'Extraordinary' to the cover of the paperback 'Impossible,' which was commercially successful. Consider the outdoor natural setting, the single girl in motion with her hair blowing, and the cursive font used for the title; both covers have these in common.

- Nancy Werlin

Impossible, Used, Title, Blowing

'Extraordinary' is an original fairy tale, a contemporary story. But like a traditional fairy tale, it heads quickly into frightening, bloody territory. I am afraid for my book, as it goes out alone into the world, just as I was frightened for Phoebe as I wrote and rewrote her story.

- Nancy Werlin

Book, Out, Quickly, Frightened

No matter how beautiful and loved a cover may be, the jury on it remains uncommitted until the book has been in the world for a while. Perhaps bookstore buyers will be indifferent. Perhaps it will be lost on store shelves. Perhaps there's another book or two out there using the same or a similar photo.

- Nancy Werlin

Book, Been, Buyers, Shelves

I do seem to have a lot of family secrets in my novels. I guess I'm one of those writers who is often writing about the same sort of themes, but taking different angles on them.

- Nancy Werlin

Angles, Often, About, Secrets

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